How to set up a network share folder with multiple names on Windows 10

You can share the same folder with different names and permissions, and in this guide, you'll learn how to complete the task on Windows 10.

Sharing folder with multiple names and permissions on Windows 10
Sharing folder with multiple names and permissions on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can share files on your computer or server with network users, and even though, it’s possible to share the same data with different permissions for different users, you can also share the same folder with multiple names and custom settings.

This option will come in handy in many situations. For example, if you have a leading accountant who needs to view and modify documents, and then you have two interns that only need to view the documents. In this case, you can share the same folder as “AccountingManager” and “AccountingInterns” with different permissions, network paths, and settings.

In addition, the ability to add and remove share names allows you to change name of the share without having to modify the local folder in any way.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to share a folder in the network with multiple names and different permissions on Windows 10.

How to create a network share with multiple names and permissions

To share the same folder with different names and permissions on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to the folder you want to share.

  3. Right-click the folder and select the Properties option.

  4. Click the Sharing tab.

  5. Click the Advanced Sharing button.

    Folder sharing settings
    Folder sharing settings
  6. Check the Share this folder option.

  7. Under the “Settings” section, type a name share name.

    Windows 10 advanced sharing for folders
    Windows 10 advanced sharing for folders
  8. Click the Permissions button.

  9. Select the Everyone object.

  10. Click the Remove button.

    Windows 10 folder permissions
    Windows 10 folder permissions
  11. Click the Add button.

  12. Type the name of the user or group that you’re intending to share the folder.

    Select users or groups
    Select users or groups
    Quick tip: If you don’t know the user information, click the Advanced button, and then click the Find Now button to select the users and groups from the list.
  13. Click the OK button.

  14. Select the recently added user or group.

  15. Select the permissions for the user or group you selected.

    Windows 10 set folder share permissions
    Windows 10 set folder share permissions
  16. Click the Apply button.

  17. Click the OK button.

  18. Click the Apply button (important).

    Folder advanced settings applied
    Folder advanced settings applied
  19. Under the “Settings” section, click the Add button to share the same folder with a different name and permissions.

    Add multiple names to the same shared folder
    Add multiple names to the same shared folder
  20. Type a new name for the share folder.

    Create new share with the same folder but different name
    Create new share with the same folder but different name
  21. Click the Permissions button.

  22. Select the Everyone object.

  23. Click the Remove button.

    Windows 10 folder permissions
    Windows 10 folder permissions
  24. Click the Add button.

  25. Confirm the name of the user or group that you’re intending to share the folder.

    Select users or groups
    Select users or groups
  26. Click the OK button.

  27. Select the recently added user or group.

  28. Select the permissions for the user or group you selected.

  29. Click the Apply button.

  30. Click the OK button.

  31. Click the OK button again.

  32. Click the Apply button again.

  33. Click the OK button again.

  34. Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, you’ll end up with one shared folder that will appear as to separate folders (//10.1.2.10/ShareOne and //10.1.2.10/ShareTwo) with different permissions.

This guide shares a folder with two names, but you can add more names and permissions. Also, this guide focuses on Windows 10, but you can use these instructions on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.